Chapman was one of the first manufacturers of gelatine bromide dry plates. His formula was used by Hurter & Driffield in their investigations on sensitometry because of its accurate standardisation. Chapman's formula was published in 1873 in the British Journal of Photography. The Chapman dry plate was initially called the 'Lancashire' but was soon changed to the 'Manchester'. In 1968, Chapman plates made 80 years before were used successfully.

1874 - started by Josiah Chapman after his partnership in Payne and Chapman Chemist with fellow chemist J.B. Payne ended. Originally based in Deansgate, Manchester. Produced the Lancashire and the Manchester.

1883 - moved to the new Scottish Provident Buildings at 7 Albert Square

1907 - J T Chapman died and the business, now a limited company, was run by William Hughes

1917 - Chapman’s son, James Gardiner took over the running of the business.

1920 - built works at Old Trafford for developing and printing.

1920s - supplied photographic equipment, chemicals and focussed on photographic development.

1928 - taken over by a subsidiary of Kodak Ltd

1965 - Moved to 62 King St

1968 - Merged with Frederick Foxall Limited to become Foxall & Chapman

1981 - taken over by William Kenyon & Sons